Liverpool failed to take their chance to clinch the English Europa Cup place today with the home advantage of Anfield behind them. Tottenham Hotspur beat the home side 0 – 2 to leapfrog the Reds back up into fifth place by one point. After Spurs recent form I expected Liverpool to claim the three points they needed to cement their position in fifth place but Spurs came to Anfield and upset the form book to push the fight to the final round next Saturday! I haven’t seen the game so I can not comment on how well each team played but the result is all that matters and three points went the way of the Londoners. At this point; Liverpool’s fate is at the hands of their opponents for fifth place, If Tottenham beat Birmingham next Saturday; the Reds will have to settle for sixth place no matter what happens in their fixture. If Tottenham lose; Liverpool need a draw or a win, one point will see Liverpool move back into fifth place on goal difference. If Liverpool lose their encounter away at Villa, Tottenham finish the season in fifth no-matter what their result is! It has set up a real edge of the seat experience come next Saturday for both Liverpool and Tottenham supporters. Liverpool have the tougher game against Aston Villa (who beat Arsenal 1 – 2 at the Emirates today) at Villa Park but that said Birmingham are fighting for their league survival and will be like a cornered animal; a very dangerous beast indeed!
Despite the loss; there has been good news these week, after all the procrastination of owners NESV; Kenny Dalglish has been offered and has accepted a three year contract to be manager of Liverpool. The Liverpool legend will be in charge at Anfield until May 2014, I believe the future is bright; every member of the Liverpool squad truly enjoys playing under Dalglish with many players going on the record praising the Scotsman. Even if the Reds fail to obtain a Europa Cup place, I believe Liverpool will have done well considering the dismal start to the season under Roy Hodgson. I’m hoping Liverpool will be able to challenge for the league title in 2011/12, you’ll never walk alone!
I watched the Eurovision Song Content for the first time in three years and Graham Norton did a reasonable job of being the British voice-over host; not as good as Terry Wogan but Sir Terry had set a very high standard for Eurovision commentary. Anyway, the contest itself; the United Kingdom did better than last year finishing in 11th place with 100 points but were beaten by Jedward, representing Ireland! Azerbaijan won the competition with their poppy “Running Scared” tune, receiving 221 points, I actually liked the tune if the actual performance wasn’t the best!